You've decided to start a yoga practice - now what?

So you've taken the plunge...You've heard about all the amazing things yoga can do for you both mentally, emotionally and physically. You've bought the intro offer and are ready to come to your first class. Now what?? The term "yoga" can encompass a wide range of classes and experiences so let's break it down. Many yoga classes focus a lot on "asana" or the postures of yoga. First, decide what you are needing from a yoga practice. Is it primarily relaxation and stress relief? Then you will want to gravitate towards classes labeled slow, yin or restorative. These types of classes are specifically designed to help our bodies with regulation of the nervous system. This means we are purposefully teaching our bodies, and along with it, our minds, to slow down, release tension and move into a parasympathetic nervous state. Parasympathetic nervous state is where we can rest, digest and repair our bodies. But sitting on the couch and watching TV or doomscrolling isn't necessarily a parasympathetic nervous state. It's a state of distraction. Slow, yin and restorative yoga classes teach the body and mind to stay present where you are without the distractions and truly relax.

Perhaps you are looking to strengthen the physical body. Asana postures are designed to help support the body in stillness and meditation so they do a great job at strengthening the glutes, shoulders, back and core. Many public classes describe these strengthening style classes as a power class. Derived from traditional styles such as hatha and ashtanga, these classes focus on challenging postures and a steady state of movement while practitioners move with their breath. This can create the feeling of a moving meditation - moving the body in an intentional way without rushing or hurrying, with a steady breath pattern. Often times, classes are heated to stimulate the cardiovascular system.

So what does all this mean to the beginner yoga student? First, start with what you are looking to obtain out of a yoga practice. Then, add what exercise experience you have. While the postures are just one part of a yoga practice, most yoga classes focus on the postures and class time can run from 45-90 minutes. Therefore, if you aren't used to moving your body on a regular practice, hopping into a more intense power flow could leave you feeling overwhelmed physically. If you have a more regular exercise routine, a more intense class could feel fine to you physically. However, yoga postures have their own names - so on top of trying to keep up physically, it's can also feel like you're learning a new language as well!

In order to gain the most out of a yoga practice, consistency is key, just like any other discipline. So make sure to select the class style and intensity that matches your goals and exercise experience so you'll leave feeling successful vs. frustrated. That way, you can be consistent and reap all of the benefits from this ancient practice!

Questions about getting started or picking a class for you? Email us at grow.yogastory@gmail.com